DVD The Guest

*Spoilers* 'You're Next' had a lot of critics in certain circles and I can fully see that it's essentially 'Home Alone' crossed with 'The Strangers' but… I'm kind of okay with that; the music was great, the bad-ass vixen was cool and it just perfectly turned the slasher genre on its head without making an out-and-out parody. 'The Guest' is the new thriller from writer Simon Barrett and director Adam Wingard and there is a common thread in the retro style and ethic as with their prior film but 'The Guest' sits in a genre unto its own. David (played by Dan Stevens of 'Downton Abbey') is a mysterious ex-military traveler who knocks on the door of a family home claiming to be the friend of their son who fell in combat. We immediately see that there is something not quite right about this character but the family is largely oblivious. Slowly, David finds the key to each family member's trust before he unveils his true intentions. Here's the thing; I don't know if I spaced for a moment or if there was some subtle clue that I missed but, next thing you know, David has moved into the family's home and then there are a series of absolutely over-the-top gun fights with a military police group. The aspects of this film that are similar to 'You're Next' really work (costume design, score, music, characters) and it's a great little ride but, call me old fashioned, I need a motive and I'm not sure one was ever revealed.